Mentioned by Esquire
The Best Restaurants in London 2021
"This West End institution takes its name from market trader Josef Sheekey, who, in the 1890s, was granted permission by Lord Salisbury to serve fish and seafood in St Martin’s Court provided he supply after-theatre meals to Salisbury’s guests. More than a century on, it remains an established favourite with the capital’s glitterati, who you can often spot slurping oysters or tucking into the famous fish pie post performance. In 2008 it expanded to include the J Sheekey Atlantic Bar next door for a slightly less formal experience, featuring a buzzing open kitchen and ample outdoor seating for relaxed al fresco dining."
"We love the classic schmoozy charm of this place, set in the heart of Theatreland. The food is a little like very upmarket pub food, so think half pints of prawns, fish pies, lobster thermidor (what do you mean you've never seen that down the King's Head?), and platters of shellfish galore. There’s an oyster bar next door, too, which made it onto our list of the best oyster bars in London"
"The Michelin-starred seafood restaurant specialises in all kids of fishy food options, turning your garden variety cod into something spectacular. For lunch, you’ve got to go for their set menu for two courses from £30 or three courses from £34, with an optional wine pairing from £20. That’s super affordable for Michelin-star dining."
"Perched atop South Place Hotel, Angler’s 40-seat west-facing roof terrace boasts lovely views of the city. Chef Gary Foulkes heads up the Michelin-starred kitchen, which serves up a fish-focused menu of dishes like Cornish turbot with scallop stuffed courgette and Dorset crab with bouillabaisse sauce. anglerrestaurant.com"
"Rub shoulders with the A-listers on Scott’s terrace – many a celeb has been papped dining al fresco at the Mayfair institution. The food lives up to the hype with a menu dedicated to the finest traditional fish and shellfish dishes alongside meat and seasonal game favourites, all paired with some seriously good cocktails – we’re big fans of the crisp Green Apple Bellini. Food-wise, the menu is decadent to say the least (come with deep pockets), from caviar to oysters, lobster to whole dover sole, but it’s without a doubt one of those places you have to tick off the list."
"This Mayfair institution has long been famed for its glorious terrace, where the tables have always been suitably distanced and heaters keep you warm as you sup oysters and crack into the freshest seafood around. For the reopening, the team has collaborated with Perrier-Jouët Champagne, so guests can rest assured the finest cuvees will be on offer."
"The seas surrounding our little island are home to some of the best oysters on the planet – a fact Wright Brothers knows only too well. This crop of London restaurants began life as a Borough Market seafood merchants, and it still supplies oysters and seafood to more than 300 restaurants across the capital. Inside its own five restaurants, Wright Brothers serves a seasonally changing selection of oysters from across England, Ireland and occasionally France, which punters can enjoy dressed, smoked and cooked with variations including tempura fried with bonito flakes and sweet miso, or ceviche-style with lime and chilli."
"One of the original seafood restaurants in London, the Wright Brothers are well-known for their oysters, farmed at their own Cornish Duchy oyster farm, as well as selecting the best from the British Isles and France. From ceviche style to a Mediterranean twist with pomegranate, balsamic and spring onion, the Wright Brothers are truly the kings of oysters. If oysters aren’t your thing, don’t despair as the rest of their menu is just as delicious."
"The Wright Bros. chain is one of our favourites, as they serve seafood of consistently high quality. They also have an oyster happy hour period from 3pm-6pm every day when you can guzzle oysters for £1 each (farmed on their own Cornish Duchy oyster farm), which is the best way to spend an afternoon we can think of right now. We enjoyed a full fruit de mer platter at the Spitalfields branch and have never felt happier."
"Restaurants American Soho. Like it says on the tin, you know where you are with the flashily decorated Burger & Lobster chain. Hand-minced burgers (made with Nebraskan beef) and lobsters (shipped over from Nova Scotia) are the star attractions, with back-up from lobster rolls, oysters and other affordably luxurious hits."
"Like it says on the tin, you know where you are with the flashily decorated Burger & Lobster chain. Hand-minced burgers and lobsters (shipped over from Nova Scotia) are the headliners, with backup from lobster rolls, ‘beast’ combos and other affordably luxurious hits. Flagship site: 29 Clarges Street, W1J 7EF"
"Hidden in Marylebone, there is a secluded terrace where those in the know go for decadent platters of fruits de mer and glasses of champagne. For the cooler months, flare heaters provide ample warmth for the Beast experience, where king crab and Angus steak are always a highlight."
"What:Beast is the kind of pricy restaurant only people with serious money frequent. Vast wooden tables, which stretch the length of the dining room, ensure that any meal at Beast feels like a banquet. Steaks are the main draw but don’t overlook the seafood."
"What: Uncomplicated, simple serves are the order of the day at The Oystermen, which started life as a pop up. The small kitchen at the Covent Garden restaurant produces delightful treats such as anchovies on toast, smoked cod roe with lavash bread, and, of course, oysters. However, it’s not just about the small plates here; more substantial fish dishes such as Scottish cod with chestnut purée also come expertly cooked.Where: 32 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8NA"
"There is a tiny red alarm button in our brain labelled ‘BOUGIE FUN’ that we mentally hit every single time we have oysters. As all seafood fans know, oysters, octopus, and clams, are all dishes that taste exponentially better when you eat them outside in the sunshine. We have no idea why, it’s just a fact."
"After strolling through South Bank, feel free to cross the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge and visit the world-famous Shakespeare’s Globe, lying literally just a few hundred feet south of the Thames. Needing little introduction, Shakespeare’s Globe is a modern reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre that still produces open-air plays and performances on a daily basis!"
"Along the south bank (always worth a wander), you can stop in at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, and even quickly cross the Millennium bridge for a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Globe and St. Paul’s Cathedral are both included on the London Pass, whilst the Tate Modern is free to enter."
"The United Kingdom’s tallest building dominates the London skyline, and offers incredible views from its three-storey viewing platform, The View at the Shard. Book your ticket online, or perhaps grab some cocktails in one of their charming bars. Read Next: Using the London Pass – The Most Cost-Effective Way to See London’s Biggest Sights"
"Scraping the sky at 306 metres, western Europe’s tallest building boasts a high-end hotel, restaurants and bars and London’s highest viewing platform—an unobstructed 360-degree view stretching as far as 64 kilometres. Here are 12 more observation decks with thrilling views."
"Just over 5 years old, The Shard, as both the European Union’s and United Kingdom’s tallest building, has quickly become a London skyline fixture. For unforgettable City of London views, head to the open-air observation tower on the Shard’s 72nd floor!"
"Restaurants Australian Exmouth Market. The only thing better than getting a table inside this Exmouth Market hotspot is snagging one of the 20-odd alfresco seats. There are tables sheltered by an awning, although others are prey to the weather."
"In a nutshell: All day NYC-inspired spot in Peckham Where is it?. Unit 5, 12-16 Blenheim Grove, London, SE15 4QL Why should you care?. The team that brought us Salon and Levan are opening a second Peckham spot."
"Morso is a homemade pasta restaurant off Abbey Road, with some pretty lovely pasta. You can find their new home delivery menu here and order ingredients, or their ready-cooked meals. We’d recommend their polenta chips, and the cacio e pepe."
"Few restaurants have been as responsible for bringing a dish so quickly into mainstream restaurant culture in the UK as BAO have with their pillowy namesake. Already boasting locations in Soho and Borough, their latest outpost pays homage to the Western-style cafés of Asia, serving up twists on British classics like the humble pie and chicken and chips, all made with the signature playfulness and flavour of BAO. Don’t panic: you can still get your classic pork bao bun, but we really recommend trying out their new lobster bao, which comes in a delicious doughnut-type bun."
"Everyone’s favourite Taiwanese street food emporium, Bao, best known for its tiny Soho outlet, has opened a big new café in King’s Cross. Drawing inspiration from western style cafes in Asia, the new eatery will serve – among Bao standards – European dishes with an eastern twist, such as Taiwanese fried chicken kiev. 4 Pancras Square, N1C 4DS Nearest Tube: King’s Cross"
"A romantic evening doesn’t have to mean candle light, rose petals and feeding each other oysters – in London, anything goes. So, for couples who are a little bit cooler there’s Bob Bob Cité, the second venue from the creators of iconic Soho haunt Bob Bob Ricard. Hidden away on the second floor of the Leadenhall Building in Bank, this 21st century take on a traditional French brasserie will dazzle your senses."
"If you’re looking for cool restaurants in London, book a cosy booth at the futuristic Bob Bob Cité, a traditional brasserie with a 21st-century feel. Order some bubbly with a single touch of a button, and hey presto… If you can tear yourself away from the gaze of your date amid all the bubbles, select from modern takes on French classics."
"It was five years in the making and that really shows in this sequel to Bob Bob Ricard. Easily one of the most stunning rooms in town, this restaurant also features one of the best French chefs in town, Eric Chavot. The menu here is upscale French food, with dishes including Daube De Boeuf Provencal and Grilled Lobster Thermidor."